Mrs Kaneko Ikeda:

Josei Toda is quoted as saying at their wedding that, “Daisaku was like his child, and if Daisaku’s bride should be a bad wife who ruins him, Toda would expel her from the organisation.” He said that he would do all in his power to look out for these two young people and that he wanted them to understand this and accept his best wishes. The text continues, “Toda’s words carried with them the affection of a strict father.”

When we were married, Mr Toda told us: “When two people are in love and their relationship makes them better people, then that is a good love relationship. If, however, the relationship causes them to ruin their lives, then it is a bad relationship.”

In another memory I hold dear, Mr Toda declared with tears streaming down his face, “Daisaku may not live past the age of thirty.” A few more than ten Soka Gakkai leaders were with him on that occasion, so I heard this story later from my father, who was there. Everyone was surprised at this. It made me think of how great having a mentor is and how strong and deep are the feelings of the mentor towards his disciple. Mr Toda travelled all over Japan to guide people in their Buddhist faith, and my husband often accompanied him. When Mr Toda would leave for rural areas, even if he was embarking from a place like Haneda Airport or Ueno Central station, I would see him off, taking my children with me, no matter how early in the morning. Then, when he returned to Tokyo, no matter how late, and even if no one else showed up, I would go to welcome him back. Occasionally, two or three Soka Gakkai Leaders would go with me. As Mr Toda’s disciples, we continued this practice until his death.